Located along south central Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula near the port town of Seward, Kenai Fjords National Park spans 669,000 acres of glacial wilderness. Operated by the National Park Service, the park protects the massive Harding Icefield, which feeds over 38 glaciers, including the easily accessible Exit Glacier. From fjord cruises to alpine hikes, Kenai Fjords offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Alaska’s raw and rugged beauty.

Recommended For

Kenai Fjords is perfect for:

  • Glacier and icefield explorers—drawn to Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield
  • Wildlife enthusiasts—interested in marine mammals and coastal birdlife
  • Adventure seekers—with options for hiking, kayaking, and flightseeing
  • Families and young visitors—thanks to ranger programs and interactive exhibits

Why Visit Kenai Fjords?

  • See the Harding Icefield—one of the largest in the U.S., with over 38 glaciers
  • Explore the park’s fjord valleys and rugged coastline by boat or kayak
  • Learn about the park’s geological and cultural history through exhibits and ranger-led walks

A Brief History

  • Designated as Kenai Fjords National Monument in 1978 under the Antiquities Act
  • Redesignated as a National Park in 1980 under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act
  • Transient village sites date back to 1200 A.D.; rising seas and seismic activity buried other possible indigenous sites

Visitor Centers

  • Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center – Located in Seward Harbor; open daily in summer; includes the film Waves Over Seward
  • Exit Glacier Nature Center – Trailhead for Exit Glacier hikes, with natural history exhibits and bookstore

Glaciers and Icefields

  • Exit Glacier is the only part of the park accessible by road, just 12 miles from downtown Seward
  • Glacier View Trail – A scenic one-mile trail
  • Edge of the Glacier Trail – A moderate hike offering up-close views
  • Harding Icefield Trail – An 8.2-mile roundtrip alpine hike with panoramic views of the icefield
  • Views also available via private flightseeing tours

Coastal Fjords and Marine Access

  • Explore fjords by boat tours and wildlife cruises from Seward
  • Kayaking is permitted but recommended only for advanced paddlers
  • Summer visitors can stay in coastal accommodations like:
    • Aialik Public Use Cabin
    • Holgate Public Use Cabin
  • Camping and landing beaches are also accessible by water taxi

Winter and Year-Round Activities

  • The Exit Glacier area offers winter recreation including:
    • Dogsledding
    • Snowmobiling
    • Cross-country skiing

Wildlife Watching

  • Popular marine wildlife includes:
    • Steller sea lions
    • Dall’s porpoises
    • Seabirds and puffins
  • Wildlife excursions are offered through Seward-based tour companies

Educational Programs

  • Ranger-led programs explore marine life, native plants, and indigenous heritage
  • The Junior Ranger Program lets kids earn badges using the Explorer Journal app
  • Art for Parks Backpacks—rentable art kits encourage visitors to sketch and paint the scenery
  • Periodic events are held in partnership with the Alaska SeaLife Center

Planning Your Visit

  • Headquarters: Seward, Alaska, a cruise-friendly town with lodging, food, and tour operators
  • Two visitor centers—check seasonal hours before visiting
  • Many areas of the park are accessible only by boat, air, or trail, so plan accordingly
  • Visit the official park website for updated trail reports, wildlife safety tips, and excursion permits

Address: PO Box 1727, Seward, AK 99664
Phone: 907-422-0500
Website: www.nps.gov/kefj

Plan Your Trip